In Russia’s Tatarstan republic, the former chief of a police station that has been linked to alleged torture has been detained as part of an investigation into purported abuse.

Vladimir Markin, spokesman for the Russian Investigation Committee, said Ilgiz Akhmetzyanov, former chief of the Dalny district station in Kazan city, had been detained in connection with a probe into the alleged beating of a 20-year-old suspect in February 2011.

Two other Dalny officers are also suspected of involvement in the case.

The spokesman said Akhmetzyanov has denied allegations of abuse of power and violence.

Concerns about police torture have been renewed in Russia recently following the death in March of a 52-year-old man in Kazan who was allegedly beaten and raped with a champagne bottle while in custody.